The GBI is investigating a deadly deputy-involved shooting in Walton County Thursday afternoon.
The incident took place outside a home on Social Circle Fairplay Road, GBI spokeswoman Nelly Miles confirmed to Channel 2 Action News.
At a news conference Thursday night, authorities told Channel 2 that deputies responded to a 911 call of a man riding an ATV outside of the home. The caller said he contacted the homeowner who said someone should have been there to do yard work but not to ride an ATV.
Deputies said they tried to talk to the man on the ATV, but he attempted to drive off, Channel 2 reported. A deputy caught up with him, causing a fight to break out between the two.
Miles told the news station that preliminary information suggests the suspect overpowered the deputy, and the deputy fired his gun once, missing the suspect.
The suspect allegedly stole the deputy’s gun and ran into the woods, Channel 2 reported.
A Georgia State Patrol helicopter spotted the man with the deputy’s gun and authorities said that’s when seven officers (six from Walton County Sheriff’s Office and one Social Circle Police officer) fired shots, killing him.
The suspect’s identity has not been released, and an investigation is ongoing.
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